Malawi has today launched Malaria Vaccination Programme which is targeting all children under the age of five.
Speaking to MIJ Online after the launch, Dr Charles Mwansammbo, Secretary for Health in the ministry of Health said the Vaccine is given in 4 doses in children from 5 months of age.
According to Mwansambo, 330, 000 Children are being targeted in the first phase which will be implemented in the 11 districts including Karonga, Nkhataby, Ntchisi,Mchinji, Lilongwe rural, Mangochi Machinga Balaka, Phalombe, Chikwawa, and Nsanje.
“I therefore call upon all mothers and guardians in these 11 districts to bring forward their children to receive the vaccine” said Mwansambo.
Dr Neema Kimambo, World Health Organisation (WHO) Country Representative said the Malaria vaccine is a complementary tool to all other interventions.
“It is not a silver bullet, so we must comply with all other interventions such as use of mosquito nets, Indoor residual spray and others. Yes, we must comply even if our children receive all four doses,’ said Kimambo.
Meanwhile, Scott Gordon Director for Malaria Vaccine Implementation Program at PATH which is one of the donors, has pledged continued support towards fight against Malaria in Malawi.
